I've been following Bert van der Wolf-Oude Avenhuis' hints about seeking a new dedicated recording space for well over a year. And now it is coming into focus with a lovely old church building he and his wife have purchased. Soon High Street Studio in Heerewaarden, Holland, will be a reality and music will start to flow. Let's take an inside look via some photos and comments from Bert...
Bert tells me he and his wife always dreamed of having a dedicated recording space, with fine natural acoustics suitable for recording the small acoustic ensembles and solo acoustic instrument performances. The challenge has been the huge financial commitment required, and finding the right building at a convenient central location with excellent acoustics and perfect quiet surroundings. These days such venues are hard to find in a crowded country like The Netherlands, or basically anywhere.
But recently they found their dream location. A church in the nearby village of Heerewaarden, just 20km east of his current location. Had Bert known this place 35 years ago, "It would have been a no-brainer to make recordings there every week," he tells me somewhat ruefully. His wife, Veronique, agreed they should make the commitment, sell their dear family home, purchase the old church, and convert it to a dream private recording studio that would also be available for other productions within the recording community. It will become a concert venue and gathering place for musicians and artists in all disciplines—a place to share and lift the spirits for everyone interested. Bert and Veronique say, "In this world of individualism, a music temple like this can be a great way for more connection instead of competition!"
And, so, they are making this plunge together, with excitement and with a smart dose of trepidation. The investment is significant.
Bert says that the main sanctuary of the church, with it’s monumental solid stone floors and wood paneled ceiling, have wonderful acoustics just as they currently exist. Raaf Hekkema (renowned saxophonist) actually mentioned to Bert that the acoustics remind him of Wigmore Hall in London—not a bad reference standard. The acoustics easily accommodate Renaissance to small acoustic Jazz ensembles. And also chamber orchestras and ensembles. And, of course, soloists. Plus, there is a lovely organ to be put back into service at some future time.
While the church has wonderful acoustics just as they currently exist, for additional optimization as needed, Bert plans to add flexible acoustical treatment that will allow adjustments to make it suitable for the aesthetics of most musical traditions. Given the large scale of that project, Bert is working with the VDM group in Italy to deliver custom wooden acoustic panels from AUDYS, panels that are lightweight, durable, and also self-supporting.
They now have a Bösendorfer 214 piano (7-foot grand) on permanent loan from a loyal customer that will be available for small ensemble and jazz recordings, plus public performances to be hosted here. A full-size concert grand can be brought in for the piano "Lions" for whom only a full-size concert grand will suffice. Bert tells me that, in fact, the end of August will see the pianist Dora Deliyska from Vienna (a Bösendorfer Artist) making a recording production premiere in the High Street Studio. Bösendorfer fully endorsed this undertaking and is looking for a more permanent collaboration with Hight Street Studio. This is indeed an exciting prospect.
A quick audio-video tour with the Narratio Quartet playing—giving hints only of what is to come.
So, what are the plans? Bert tells me that they are moving into the space now. It will additionally have overnight accommodations for visiting performers so they will have access to a more affordable place to stay during recording sessions or the public performances he additionally plans to host. He will also have his mastering space relocated and rebuilt here.
As he says, "High Street Studio will be a one-stop-facility for musicians and other artists with optimal acoustics, a high end recording facility, concert series and in house guest accommodation, all being prepared over the coming months." At the moment, there is lots of work to do.
For other articles about Bert van der Wolf, including an interview and reviews of many of his recordings, see this search link:
As I've expressed many times, if Bert has recorded it, I want to listen to it.
Photos courtesy of Bert van der Wolf-Oude Avenhuis
